Hyderabad: The annual Haj pilgrimage began on Monday as more than 1.6 million Muslims from across the world gathered in Mecca for the five-day religious journey.
Pilgrims started travelling from Mecca to the tent city of Mina for the first stage of the Haj pilgrimage. They will stay there overnight before moving to the plains of Arafat on Tuesday for the main rituals and prayers.
Around 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are participating in this year’s pilgrimage. Saudi officials said more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived from outside the kingdom ahead of the formal rituals.
Authorities said international pilgrim numbers this year crossed last year’s figures despite tensions in West Asia. The pilgrimage is taking place amid a ceasefire linked to the recent Iran conflict.
International reports said tensions in the Middle East disrupted air travel and increased travel costs for pilgrims earlier this year.
Haj pilgrimage follows key rituals over five days
The Haj pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Zil Hajj. Muslims consider Haj one of the five pillars of Islam.
Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform Haj once in their lifetime.
On the first day, known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah, pilgrims enter the sacred state of Ihram and travel to Mina. Pilgrims wear special white garments that symbolise equality and spiritual purity.
The second day, known as the Day of Arafah, is considered the most important stage of Haj. Pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafat to seek forgiveness and offer prayers.
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah and spend the night there.
On the third day, which coincides with Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims return to Mina. They perform the symbolic stoning ritual at Jamrat al-Aqaba.
Pilgrims also perform animal sacrifice rituals linked to Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Later, pilgrims return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah by circling the Kaaba seven times.
During the fourth and fifth days, pilgrims remain in Mina and continue the stoning ritual at all three Jamarat pillars.
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform the farewell Tawaf to conclude the Haj pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27 this year. In India, Muslims are expected to observe the festival on May 28.